Our Midwest Diocesan Bishop, Matthias, has sent a letter to the priests of the Diocese confirming the resignation of Metropolitan Jonah as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America which was accepted on July 7th by the OCA’s Synod of Bishops and is considered effective as of today, July 9th. His Grace asked that we priests “extend to the faithful calm assurances of faith in the Church and Her Helmsman, our Lord and Savior.”

According to Bishop Matthias the Synod will have a teleconference meeting today to continue discussion on the resignation. There is also planned at some point a teleconference call between the Synod of Bishops and the Metropolitan council to discuss the current situation. Bishop Matthias directs us to the OCA’s webpage to watch for further information as it becomes available. He also asks for our prayers.